Park Ecologist

In 1986, Forest Park Forever, a private, not-for-profit organization, was founded to work in partnership with the St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry to restore, maintain and sustain Forest Park as one of America's great urban public parks for the enjoyment of all - now and forever.

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for furthering the mission of Forest Park Forever by providing leadership in developing and implementing monitoring and management of the Nature Reserve in Forest Park. The Nature Reserve consists of 150 acres of natural areas including Kennedy Forest, Deer Lake Savanna, Steinberg Prairie, the Successional Forest, and the waterways flowing within the Park.

• Reports to: Park Operations Manager
• Supervises: Nature Reserve Stewards, Interns, and Volunteers

Responsibilities:

• Provide management for the restoration of natural communities, natural community complexes, and large-scale ecologically based systems.
• Write and oversee contracts for restoration activities.
• Organize formal training sessions and field days.
• Organize BioBlitz, Honeysuckle Kill, and other special events.
• Promote natural communities to the general public through publications, workshops, and special events.
• Plan interpretive displays, signage, and exhibits.
• Assist with trail layouts, site markers and improvements.
• Implement and supervise wildlife management programs.
• Prepare annual and long-term management plans.
• Monitor plant and animal communities, management activities, and water quality.
• Prepare and coordinate budget and purchasing needs.
• Supervise full-time, seasonal, and volunteer staff to accomplish management goals.
• Participate in Forest Park Forever special events.
• Maintain Park GIS maps and information.
• Serve as liaison for Forest Park Forever to local and state environmental groups.

Core Competencies:

• Team Work: Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives. Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Follows through on commitments.
• Strategic Thinking: Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Project Management: Develops and successfully executes project plans; Manages projects; Manages team project activities. Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans. Able to work with a great degree of adaptability and independence as well as allow for a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Quality Management: Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Solicits feedback from all sources to improve quality and service. Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. Strives to increase productivity.
• Oral & Written Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills. Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar.
• Professionalism: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures. Follows policies and procedures; Supports organization's goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities. Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Ethics and Dependability: Keeps commitments; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values. Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals.
• Initiative: Seeks increased responsibilities; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities. Displays original thinking and creativity; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention. Uses feedback to modify designs; Applies design principles; Demonstrates attention to detail.

Qualifications:

Position Qualification Requirements:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with and Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biological Sciences, Ecology, botany, Zoology, Wildlife, Forestry or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years experience with 3 years of progressive supervisor experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook & Office suite (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point) required.
• Knowledge of tools, materials, and practices of grounds maintenance.
• Scheduling flexibility that allows working weekends and evenings is required.
• Background check and drug test performed upon hire.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids which may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position:  Personal Computer, Telephone, Copier, Printers, Fax, and Camera.  In addition to automotive vehicles, light and heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

Physical/Visual Activities or Demands:

• Standing, Walking, Sitting, Stooping or Crouching, Kneeling, Reaching, Talking, and Hearing.
• Employee required to move and/or lift up to fifty (50) pounds and carry it a reasonable distance, and occasionally move and/or lift more than eighty (80) pounds.

License(s)/Certification(s) Required:

• Valid driver's license.
• Missouri Pesticide Applicator's license or the ability to obtain within 6 months

Compensation: Salary based on knowledge and experience. Forest Park Forever is an equal opportunity employer and offers a retirement plan, health, dental, life and disability insurance, vacation and personal leave. 

To Apply:

Resumes are to be filled at or mailed to:

Forest Park Forever
Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor and Education Center
5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park
St. Louis, MO 63112
Attn: Park Ecologist

Contact Bill Reininger for additional information or questions.